Irritable bowel syndrome

Description

Irritable bowel syndrome or chronic intestinal pain and cramping.Recurrence of constipation and diarrhea associated with pain in stomach. Chronic stomach pain and cramps appear. The colon has normal appearance in irritable bowel syndrome but it is considered that the symptoms occur due to abnormal contractions of the colon. This disease is not contagious or hereditary. Women are affected twice as often as men and cause of the disorder is unknown.

Symptoms

Symptoms may be vary from light to severe. Many patients have changeable periods of diarrhea, constipation and normal stool. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, sensitivity, sensation of fulness, gases, bloating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, emotional exhaustion and depression.

Overview

Anamnesis and physical examination will be done. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) and colonoscopy may be done. Diagnosis does not usually discover physiological irregularities that may explain symptoms.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis and CT scan.

Additional analyses

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EGDS, colonoscopy.

Specialists

General Practice, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. Following medicines are prescribed: anticholinergics before having a meal, anticonstipation medications and /or low doses of antidepressants. Counseling and change of nutrition are recommended.